Why, in an era of sexual liberation, do we still have heroes marked by sexual renunciation?

Question

"heroes" as in heroes in comic books, or heroes in movies, or heroes in books, etc.

Please post any answers/comments you have. Thanks!

Answer 1

Great question.  If we are truly liberated, we don't need to follow anyone else's ideas of "proper" or "correct" sexual behavior.  We can renounce sexuality or indulge in it as we choose, as long as we don't hurt another person.  Liberation should mean that WE are in control of our sexuality, NOT social norms and pressures.  A hero may need tremendous focus in order to be heroic and accomplish great things, and sexuality, which is a powerful force, can be a distraction if the hero is focusing on some other goal which needs full attention.  Such focus often requires sacrifice, like a normal life, or personal happiness, or even life ; sometimes the thing sacrificed may be the hero's sexuality.